26th Apr 2006, 15:50

I have a 2000 focus ghia saloon for 1 year now and it has never gave me a hint of trouble. I would recommend this model to anyone looking for a comfortable, smooth, strong car which is very reliable, and plenty of room. it has never let me down, and as ford have a worldwide reputation for quality I will definitely buy a ford focus again.

26th Apr 2006, 20:13

I had a 2000 Ford Focus ZTS bought NEW. It was serviced regularly and maintained with care, including full detailing.

In its three years with me it had 20 recalls and was in the shop 10 times. Last straw was the ignition that simply disintegrated when the key was put in. Tow truck driver said that was the fifth Focus with that problem he saw that week.

The Focus is one of the most unreliable cars ever built.

Anyone who buys a Focus, new or used, had better have lots and lots and lots of money and time for repairs.

27th Apr 2006, 13:55

Uh, no, Ford does not have a world wide reputation for quality. Maybe in England they do, where all the quality Focuses go. But here in the States, Focuses have ONLY just become average in the reliability department.

27th Apr 2006, 16:48

I guess you are going to be haunted for the rest of your life over that 2000 Focus, because you are compelled to talk about it on every single Focus review. Fine, 20 recalls and in the shop 10 times, okay, we get it!

I do find it interesting, though, how folks in the UK rave about how great the Focus is, while people in the US complain about them, specifically the 2000 year model. It is curious to think what the difference could be. Is it something in the car itself? Is it something in the attitudes of drivers in different countries? Do people in the UK drive less? Are folks in the UK simply more forgiving of machinery, and people in the US have no tolerance for any minute problem whatsoever? It really is an interesting question.

15th Sep 2006, 16:17

I have had all types of problem with my 2000 and 2002 Ford Focus. I had to replace the ignition column on my 2000 Focus twice in two years. With my 2002 (which I didn't want in the first place, but my parents thought I should get) my brakes are horrible. I do the regularly scheduled maintenance and everything. My rear brakes screech even though the brakes function. Now the problem I'm facing today is with my tail lihgt. My rear lamp lights up when I press the brake pedal however it will not light up when the lights are on, even though its the same lamp. If anyone knows how to fix this and if I can fix it myself I would appreciate the advice. I have spent too much money of fixing focuses already.

26th Sep 2006, 10:52

I recently bought my focus 1.8Tdci from auction only 2 yrs 6 months old with 24,000 miles. So far have had problems with the trip computer occasionally goes blank and cannot say how many miles are left in the tank, sometimes cannot give an mpg either.

Also the passenger foot-well gets soaked after heavy rain. The ford dealer has said this is a common fault rectified by replacing a metal plate by the pollen filter the warps with time. I was told this is looked at in the major service and the part actually costs about £15 to cure this problem. I've now had the service and still wet carpet so will question if it was ever looked at.

When pulling off I was surprised about the amount of smoke from the exhaust, but thought nothing of it being a diesel. Over time the engine power just got worse until engine mil come on. This turned out to be a faulty turbo intercooler which is said to have exploded.

The dealer tried to say this was not covered within the 3 year warranty as the car had not been serviced at the correct interval with ford. A friend told me this should still be covered by law and they agreed to cover this after some persistence and threatening to pursue the case against ford.

All OK so far now, I actually have a 115 bhp car for the first time, not having had a diesel focus before didn't realise my car was under par till now. Wish the warning light had come on lot earlier though.

20th Nov 2006, 07:52

My Ford Focus sedan, which is an 2000, brakes got messed up. I got new ones replaced and they still makes noises. My ignition had to be replaced. It was used so I only had one key. In which I lost. It got me 180 dollars just to get 2 new keys on a car that has no security system. And I just wrecked it, and it was destroyed. I hit the side of somebody's else's car and mine was destroyed, the other guys car just had a big dent. He could drive home.

25th Nov 2006, 08:50

My 52 plate (2002) ford focus estate has the classic passenger foot well full of water after a tremendous downpour last night.

Thanks for the pointers, I'll assume its that darn pollen filter thingy.

Any idea if ford do a free fix?

Cheers Melvin Melnobone.

28th Nov 2006, 06:10

A note from the other side of the pond. I have an 04 Focus that started to leak water into the passenger foot well in the last week or so. I happened to notice that the cover at the bottom of the windscreen was slightly raised and had a chat with my local Ford dealer. They immediately recognised it as a common fault and sold me a replacement cover (plastic) and seal (£19 no freebies). Problem solved. The water leaks into the pollen filter and down the ventilation duct into the foot well.

3rd Dec 2006, 17:18

I have owned the 2000 focus since Jan. 2001.

1: I love the gas mileage of 30+ to the gallon! Even still today I get the same!

2: I have replaced the front pads and rotor once (past summer).

3: The font springs were replaced in October '06, there were under an extended factory warranty. I also had the rear shocks replaced.

So for the last 6 years, I have really enjoyed owning a Focus.